About Me

Jenn Shagrin

Vegan Gastronomy Connoisseur [chef], Actress, Producer, Writer and Professional Bad Ass.
I am extremely gay, and also (need it be said) one sexy beast, and so is my partner, the best, most ass-kicking talented artist/photographer, the Notorious Tia Litz*

Because I pride myself on my tech suaveness (aka e-stalking) abilities, I will hunt you down and force you to listen to the "Lambchops Playalong" theme song on repeat tied to a chair in a dark room for a week straight, if you don't check out her awesome art and show some love :) Linkies!! :

I am the author of the cookbook "Veganize This", and the Vegan Recipe blog "Veganize It...Don't Criticize It".
Yes, you probably have seen me on tv once or twice on something like Reno 911! or playing a 14 year old on Passions.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

My parents had high expectations for my collegiate educational path. When I was 15 years old, my Mom and Dad decided that instead of taking a summer vacation, the Shagrin clan should pile into our trusty green Toyota Previa and tour some of America's finest colleges. I, of course, saw this as a divine opportunity to tour the social life available to the lucky bastards that had finally escaped parental rule.

First, we hit the University of Wisconsin in Madison. My mother wanted me to find a solid back-up option to Brown University that would also provide a great 4 year experience. What I did find there was my very first fake ID (thanks Laura Norton of McLean, Virginia...whoever you are!) that also provided an equally as rewarding 4 year experience. It would have been a much longer one, but a policeman in South Carolina decided that 5'5" and 150 pounds didn't exactly fit my physical description.

Next, we headed towards Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. On the way, we detoured to Narraganset Beach for a weekend. My parents were hoping to spend some quality time together before getting back to business. Although the "family" part didn't exactly happen, I did spend some quality time with a nice young guitar player that I met on the beach. We made out in a lighthouse and slept in a car before I returned to my hotel, most likely reeking of smoke and salt water.

By the time we departed for Baltimore, Maryland, I was on a pretty tight leash. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have been angry with my Mom for keeping my super-glued to her side. It gave me a chance to read the first two Harry Potter books in 3 days, and it was the first (and only) time I had real crab cakes. Sans punishment, there's a 90% chance I would have skipped out on dinner for some Happy Hour carousing with the local youth, courtesy of Laura Norton, of course. They were great, but consciously not a part of my dietary choices shortly thereafter. I felt like tasting a vegan version would be the gateway to a sweet form of freedom

The above photo was taken without the Nage because, while it is delicious, it made my photographs look a little messy. You'll just have to trust me ;)

9
comments:

Ahh! Stop being so darn creative (translation: please do the exact opposite and keep these fabulous dishes coming). You should start your own vegan restaurant - seriously.

I have been searching for jackfruit in brine FOREVER, but when I finally found it I had to return to school! It currently languishes in my cupboard, awaiting my return. This recipe sounds really fantastic and I'm eager to try it out :)